Carnelian is a little known and little planted red grape variety developed in the 1970’s by the renowned Dr. Harold Olmo, Professor of Viticulture Emeritus at UC Davis California. Dr. Olmo was deeply interested in the interaction of climate, soil and grapevine variety in wine style and quality. This interest took him all over the world looking at potential viticultural sites and the varieties best suited to these sites, in fact Dr. Olmo recommended Margaret River as a potential premium wine region and was an integral impetus to the first plantings in this region. As part of his observations Dr. Olmo looked to plant breeding as a way to increase suitability of varieties to climate, he specifically intended to improve the performance of the noble variety Cabernet Sauvignon in the warm to hot areas of California which was at the time experiencing a massive increase in wine grape plantings. By crossing Cabernet Sauvignon with Grenache and Carignan Dr. Olmo developed Carnelian, a variety that exhibits the colour, tannin and flavour profile of Cabernet Sauvignon with greater acid retention in warmer climates.
We came across Carnelian by a fortunate twist of fate when we planted what we believed to be Sangiovese in 2000. On observing the growth patterns of the vines planted, there was some speculation into the validity of the variety and so to clarify the matter DNA tests were undertaken to check identification. The results showed that it was not a Sangiovese clone, but was identified as Dr Olmo’s P76-40 Carnelian. The variety appears to be highly suited to the Margaret River climate.
The 2006 MadFish Carnelian demonstrates extraordinary depth of colour: an opaque crimson with a purple rim. The intriguing nose flags the grunt and power of Carnelian, typically with ripe blackberries, succulent plum, spice and dark chocolate notes. The palate is ripe, fleshy, juicy and concentrated with a carry over of the intense berry fruits and cocoa/mocha complexity. Powerful tannins provide structure and the palate is balanced with crisp acidity and a firm powdery finish. This is a big wine, very intense in character and concentration and would suit similarly rich foods such as rare red meats.
Complete Tasting Note
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